Textile and Apparel Industries

Assessment of Garment Recycling Technology Adoption Barriers in Bangladesh as a Sustainable Approach: A Proposed Agenda

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Abstract

The adoption of garment recycling technologies in Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) sector remains limited despite the global shift towards circular fashion by Gen Z consumers. This conceptual study investigates the barriers to recycling technology adoption and proposes a structured methodological agenda to analyze their interrelationships. A comprehensive literature review covering studies published between 2015 and 2024 was conducted to identify and classify barriers. The analysis resulted in five major barrier categories: economic, technological, policy, social, and environmental. This paper proposes the application of Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) as a qualitative decision-making method to establish hierarchical relationships and dependencies among the identified barriers. Experts from industry, policy, and recycling-technology stakeholders will provide feedback, which will be the basis for the decision-making. The proposal aims to guide policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers in prioritizing strategic interventions to advance garment recycling and transition towards recycling in Bangladesh and other emerging garment-producing countries. 

Keywords: Garment recycling, Recycling technology adoption, Ready-made garment industry, Sustainable manufacturing, Interpretive Structural Modeling

How to Cite:

Chowdhury, S. & Hossain, M., (2025) “Assessment of Garment Recycling Technology Adoption Barriers in Bangladesh as a Sustainable Approach: A Proposed Agenda”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 82(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.21890